James Clingman

Jim Clingman, founder of the Greater Cincinnati African American Chamber of Commerce, is the nation’s most prolific writer on economic empowerment for Black people. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati.

Jim Clingman, founder of the Greater Cincinnati African American Chamber of Commerce, is the nation’s most prolific writer on economic empowerment for Black people. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati.

Recent Stories

In a 2010 report titled, Lifting as we Climb: Women of Color, Wealth, and America’s Future, posted by Insight – Center for Community and Economic Development, a startling and unbelievable statistic was cited. Written by Mariko Chang, with the help of Meizhu Lui, director of the Closing the Racial Wealth Gap Initiative, the report stated the median wealth for Black females from “36-49 years of age is $5.00.”

Because the Negro does not own and control retail establishments in his own community, he is unable to stabilize his community … The Negro must pool his capital in order to help himself … This will enable him to solve his own problems. – S.B. Fuller

An article published on nky.com, titled, “Running for Senate not job for paupers,” stated: “The average household in the United States has a net worth of $69,000, but the average wealth of a U.S. senator is about $12 million, according to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau and Center for Responsive Politics.” To me, it illustrated the fact that we are far removed from the original intent of serving in Congress.

When the tax man cometh, Black dollars “goeth.” Where will they goeth? Down a myriad of paths in pursuit of new items such as furniture, cars, clothing and other niceties. But first, unless you do your own tax return or get it done for free by someone, Black dollars goeth to tax preparation firms, the vast majority of which are not owned by Black people. I can hear the two excuses right now: “I don’t know where to find a Black tax firm” and “I don’t want ‘them’ to know my business.” The first one I can deal with, but the second excuse just blows my mind.

* This article is dedicated to the folks in jails and prisons. Please share it with them.*
According to the 13th Amendment, slavery in this country has not been fully abolished; there is an exception that says if one is duly convicted of a crime he or she can be enslaved.

With their fingers on the triggers, the secretary of defense and others in our government are poised to strike Syria and commit fighting troops to that country, even at a time when the soldiers in Afghanistan are scheduled to leave. Understanding that World War II and the Vietnam War, followed of course by the war in Iraq, brought with them huge windfall profits to various corporations, we should brace ourselves for this next foray into a foreign country, especially one that is located in the so-called Middle East.

Will the largest city in history to file bankruptcy receive a death certificate, or will this action result in a new birth certificate for the Motor City? Of course, a city as large and as well-situated as Detroit will not die. Already there are plans for a $400 million hockey stadium, despite all the tales of woe and danger put forth by various media. All things considered, will Detroit’s majority population remain Black and will Black people play a significant role in its economic rebirth?